EDA and ESA to Focus on Earth Observation Technology for Defence

April 22, 2026

The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) signed an arrangement on 22 April to better study space-based Earth observation technology for resilience, security and other defence needs. 

The joint study, which builds on 15 years of collaboration between EDA and ESA, will look ahead to 2040 and beyond, identifying the technological gaps to fill and setting a technology roadmap for research and development priorities in Earth observation for defence. 

Space-based Earth observation is essential for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as for situational awareness, crisis response, and strategic and operational decision-making across a wide range of security contexts. 

The study will focus on several technology areas, including advanced optical imaging, next-generation radar systems, signal intelligence sensors and architectures, and data analytics, where the ability to process and exploit large volumes of information is becoming critical. 

By launching the study, EDA and ESA aim to provide a forward-looking analytical basis to guide Member States towards future technological development, helping ensure that the EU maintains robust and credible Earth observation capabilities in the decades ahead, in alignment with existing European initiatives, such as the Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS) and the European Resilience from Space (ERS) programme. 

EDA’s Chief Executive André Denk said: “In security and defence, knowledge is power, and from orbit, knowledge is constant, impartial, and without borders. That’s why we invest today in foresight and resilience, creating the analytical basis to guide future research and development priorities. Together with ESA, we will be identifying the most promising technological pathways to ensure that the EU retains Earth observation capabilities in support of the security and defence of our continent.” 

ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher said: “Following the mandate given by our Member States to step up ESA’s role in security and defence, this agreement marks a meaningful move from intent to delivery. Through initiatives such as the European Resilience from Space  programme, ESA is already responding to Europe’s urgent security capability needs. Strengthening our partnership with EDA allows us to align technology development more closely with both current and future operational and strategic requirements.”  

The study project has been shaped in coordination with EU and ESA Member States and technical experts, within EDA’s research and innovation space community, notably its Capability Technology Group on Space, which consolidated the technical input.  

Both agencies highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader European efforts to strengthen resilience, and strategic autonomy in space. The agreement also reflects a mature partnership, underpinned by balanced governance, shared costs, and trust developed through years of joint activities. 

The study is conducted within the framework of the 2011 Administrative Arrangement between ESA and EDA, and builds upon past cooperation experience related to Earth observation between the two organisations. 

Source : European Defence Agency (EDA)